District XI 2014/07
This was sent to me by Barry Johnson, the president of the Sequim RC Aeronauts. When two clubs join together they can get great things done!
Co-hosts and event
The Sequim RC Aeronauts of Sequim, Washington, and the Olympic RC Modelers of Port Angeles, Washington, co-hosted their third annual fun-fly on September 14, 2013, at the Sequim Valley Airport.
Beneficiary
This event was a fundraising effort in support of Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHCC), Washington. The clubs raised $1,575 this year and chose VHCC to help those in need in their own community. In the end, 100% of the funds received were donated to VHCC.
Donations and raffle
Several local businesses, businesses from other cities in Washington, club members, and even out-of-state businesses contributed services or items to be raffled during the fly-in. Items included:
- Several ARF aircraft
- Dinners
- Haircuts
- Dry cleaning
- Other donated services and items
All donations were appreciated by the clubs as well as those who won them in the drawings.
Flying, demonstrations, and instruction
Along with the donations, several well-known RC pilots from the Pacific Northwest made the trip to Sequim and helped to wow the crowd with low-and-slow 3-D stunts. Club pilots demonstrated various aircraft types and sizes, including a turbine jet. Those wishing to try flying an RC airplane were able to log time on a trainer with an instructor and a buddy box.
The static display aircraft (many of which also flew) were popular with attendees. Many types and sizes of fixed-wing aircraft were represented, along with a helicopter or two.
Facilities and community support
Many spectators brought chairs and coolers and stayed for the entire event. Even a foggy start to the day didn't dampen spirits; things really got rolling when the fog burned off to leave clear blue skies. Hot food was available on-site to keep everyone going. A donated public-address system kept everyone informed throughout the day.
The Sequim Valley Airport allowed the clubs to put in a grass runway and to hold the event on its grounds to allow for more parking than either club's home field would allow. The airport also volunteered its mower whenever the field needed mowing.
Many full-scale pilots with aircraft in the airport hangars lent assistance. A local contractor donated a water truck and a roller to prepare the field. Members volunteered their time to put in and maintain the runway. This was a joint effort between the two clubs and the community.
Results and future plans
Without the support of so many businesses and people, this event would not have been as successful and the clubs cannot thank them enough. Both clubs are planning to host the fourth annual fly-in this year. The date is yet to be determined, but the clubs' websites (www.sequimrcaeronauts.org and www.olympicrcmodelers.com) will have the date posted when it has been set. The clubs look forward to an even greater turnout and more flying and fun.
I hope to see you at the Indoor FF Nats June 26–30, at the Kibbie Dome at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
